AHA PALS EXAM VERSION 2 QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
2026 (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES
1. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for 2-rescuer CPR
in children?
A. 15:1
B. 15:2
C. 30:2
D. 5:1
The correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for 2-rescuer child CPR is 15:2. This
ensures adequate perfusion and oxygenation during resuscitation.
2. What is the initial recommended energy dose for defibrillation in a pediatric
patient with pulseless VT?
A. 1 J/kg
B. 2 J/kg
,C. 4 J/kg
D. 5 J/kg
The initial dose for defibrillation in children is 2 J/kg. If subsequent shocks are
needed, the dose increases to 4 J/kg and can go up to 10 J/kg.
3. Which of the following best describes compensated shock in children?
A. Hypotension is present
B. Tachycardia and cool extremities are present
C. Bradycardia and weak pulse
D. Decreased respiratory rate
In compensated shock, the body maintains blood pressure through mechanisms
such as tachycardia and vasoconstriction, which result in cool extremities.
4. A 5-year-old child has a heart rate of 180/min, capillary refill time of 5
seconds, and cool extremities. What is the likely condition?
A. Compensated shock
B. Decompensated shock
C. Normal response to fever
D. Hypoglycemia
These signs indicate poor perfusion with maintained BP, characteristic of
compensated shock.
5. What is the correct dose of epinephrine for IV/IO administration during
cardiac arrest in children?
, A. 0.1 mg/kg
B. 0.01 mg/kg
C. 0.1 mL/kg of 1:10,000
D. 1 mg/kg
The correct dose is 0.01 mg/kg (0.1 mL/kg of the 1:10,000 concentration). It
should be repeated every 3–5 minutes during resuscitation.
6. Which rhythm is shockable in pediatric cardiac arrest?
A. Asystole
B. Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
C. Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
D. Sinus tachycardia
VF is a shockable rhythm and should be treated with defibrillation according to
PALS algorithms.
7. What is the recommended fluid bolus for initial management of pediatric
septic shock?
A. 5 mL/kg
B. 20 mL/kg
C. 30 mL/kg
D. 50 mL/kg
An initial isotonic fluid bolus of 20 mL/kg is recommended for children with signs
of septic shock.
AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
2026 (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES
1. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for 2-rescuer CPR
in children?
A. 15:1
B. 15:2
C. 30:2
D. 5:1
The correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for 2-rescuer child CPR is 15:2. This
ensures adequate perfusion and oxygenation during resuscitation.
2. What is the initial recommended energy dose for defibrillation in a pediatric
patient with pulseless VT?
A. 1 J/kg
B. 2 J/kg
,C. 4 J/kg
D. 5 J/kg
The initial dose for defibrillation in children is 2 J/kg. If subsequent shocks are
needed, the dose increases to 4 J/kg and can go up to 10 J/kg.
3. Which of the following best describes compensated shock in children?
A. Hypotension is present
B. Tachycardia and cool extremities are present
C. Bradycardia and weak pulse
D. Decreased respiratory rate
In compensated shock, the body maintains blood pressure through mechanisms
such as tachycardia and vasoconstriction, which result in cool extremities.
4. A 5-year-old child has a heart rate of 180/min, capillary refill time of 5
seconds, and cool extremities. What is the likely condition?
A. Compensated shock
B. Decompensated shock
C. Normal response to fever
D. Hypoglycemia
These signs indicate poor perfusion with maintained BP, characteristic of
compensated shock.
5. What is the correct dose of epinephrine for IV/IO administration during
cardiac arrest in children?
, A. 0.1 mg/kg
B. 0.01 mg/kg
C. 0.1 mL/kg of 1:10,000
D. 1 mg/kg
The correct dose is 0.01 mg/kg (0.1 mL/kg of the 1:10,000 concentration). It
should be repeated every 3–5 minutes during resuscitation.
6. Which rhythm is shockable in pediatric cardiac arrest?
A. Asystole
B. Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
C. Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
D. Sinus tachycardia
VF is a shockable rhythm and should be treated with defibrillation according to
PALS algorithms.
7. What is the recommended fluid bolus for initial management of pediatric
septic shock?
A. 5 mL/kg
B. 20 mL/kg
C. 30 mL/kg
D. 50 mL/kg
An initial isotonic fluid bolus of 20 mL/kg is recommended for children with signs
of septic shock.
